For students attending the course Laboratory Animal Science in Theory and Practice (4.5 credits) course code 4TX015

Upon completion of the course the student should be able to meet the defined learning outcomes as set out in the EU Education and Training Framework for people who undertake experimental minor procedures (EU modules 1-8) involving rodents and lagomorphs. Students will also achieve initial knowledge on the design of animal experiments and good scientific practice in animal research (EU module 9-11).

Specific entry requirements

A Bachelor’s degree or a professional degree worth at least 180 credits in biomedicine, biotechnology, cellular and molecular biology or medicine. English language skills equivalent to English B at Swedish upper secondary school.

For 4TX015, at least the grade “Pass” for the courses Principles of toxicology, Toxicokinetics and Target organ toxicology.

Content

The content of this course (a compulsory course for those carrying out experiments with rodents and lagomorphs without previous qualification) is composed to enable the participants to follow the Swedish Legislation (EU-Directive 2010/63 EU) regarding the use of animals for scientific purposes.

It contains web-based lectures on the requirements of Swedish legislation concerning scientific use of animals, ethical issues, species-specific basic biology, normal behavior of rodents and lagomorphs, handling of animals, husbandry needs, and enrichment, signs of discomfort pain and suffering in rodents and lagomorphs, different methodologies, the basis of disease control and how to implement hygiene in animal housing and experimental work.

The course is divided into three parts

• Laboratory animal science in theory, 1.5 hp
  A theoretical web-based part.
• Individual project, 1.5 hp
  Analysis of ethical aspects in scientific publications based on animal models.
• Project work, 1.5 hp
  A protocol for an animal research project is prepared in smaller groups and presented orally by the team.

Teaching methods

Lectures, group assignments and individual project.

Schedule

See schedule for spring 2024 here.

Examination and compulsory participation

Laboratory animal science in theory (1.5 credits): The examination consists of a written examination. Graded Fail/Pass/Pass with distinction.

Individual project (1.5 credits): The examination consists of a written report. Graded Fail/Pass.

Project work (1.5 credits): The examination consists of oral presentation and discussion/opposition. Graded Fail/Pass.

The course grade is based on part Laboratory animal science in theory. To pass the course the grade pass is required on all parts.

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